AFTER the disappointing defeat to Boots, Loughborough Sharks battled back on Sunday to hold the champions elect for the second time this season.

Sharks had nothing to lose playing the dominating leaders at home but it was important they stuck to their team strategy and played throughout the whole game with the work ethic and determination of how they finished the second half at Boots.

The first half from the off was fast paced with good hockey being produced from both teams.

The first blow was given to Sharks after 10 minutes where Notts had a quick break down the left hand side of the pitch leading to a good cross into the dee where a deflection gave Notts a 1-0 lead.

Sharks however, were not deterred and carried on taking the game to Notts by keeping the ball and not giving their players time on the ball.

Sharks pressure was then capitalised by Tudor whose quick skills lead to him being able to enter the dee and slot past the Notts goalkeeper enabling Sharks to draw their first blood.

The second half was similar to the first. Both defences were strong particularly shown throughout the game with strong tackles being produced from Ang, Hawksworth and Docherty backed up with some match saving saves from Sharks goal keeper Jacob Smith.

It was only after 15 minutes where Notts were able to produce a quick break, getting behind Sharks to produce their second goal.

The response from Sharks was constant pressure with tempers starting to fray.

Sharks engine of a midfield didn’t falter and their tireless efforts were finally rewarded in the final few minutes by linking with Bryan who kept a cool head to slot a well lifted stroke over the diving Notts goal keeper.

With the match finishing in a 2-2 drew, Notts were left disheartened unable to turn over the Sharks this season.